Swimsuits from the 1920s to today

Beachwear is going retro again. Before you try a new bikini, check out these looks from the past.

By Francisca Ortega

on March 28, 2014 11:34 AM

Photo: Popperfoto/Getty

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Before heading to the Galveston Island Beach Revue, take a look at these other swimsuit designs, from the 1920s until today...

The new 'Bikini' swimming costume (in a newsprint-patterned fabric) caused a sensation in 1946 at a beauty contest at the Molitor swimming pool in Paris. Designer Louis Reard was unable to find a 'respectable' model for his costume and the job of displaying it went to 19-year-old Micheline Bernardini, a nude dancer from the Casino de Paris. She is holding a small box into which the entire costume can be packed.

Celebrated as the first bikini, Luard's design came a few months after a similar two-piece design was produced by French designer Jacques Heim.